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Cruise's Calming Strategy

"Here's what Tom Cruise taught me. When you feel stressed and you feel overwhelmed, when you are multitasking on a level you might not be capable of, pause and hum the tune to 'Mission Impossible,'" he insisted. "I swear to God, it focuses you."

Actor Tom Cruise
Jimi Celeste/Patrick McMullan

Mr. Baldwin was the host of Tuesday night's Friars Foundation Gala, at which Mr. Cruise was honored with its Entertainment Icon Award (the venerable entertainment organization had bestowed the prize only three times previously, to
Douglas Fairbanks,
Cary Grant
and
Frank Sinatra
). In addition to Mr. Baldwin's acerbic wit, the evening at the Waldorf-Astoria included a rousing funk performance and the world's most beloved tot.

Before the awards ceremony, guests enjoyed a seated dinner that included a seafood trio, tournedo of beef and mixed berry mousse bars before Mr. Cruise took his seat just as the program began. He held court at a center table alongside his "dates," son Connor and daughter Suri, who was undoubtedly the lady of the evening, wearing a primary schooler's interpretation of black tie—a bright pink dress with coordinating shawl and kitten heels. While a steady stream of well-wishers stopped by to give her father their best tidings, it was Suri who occupied much of the room's attention, with onlookers cooing as she doled out playful hugs and rested her head in her father's lap sleepily.

Messrs. Baldwin and Cruise are set to share the screen for the first time in "Rock of Ages," a rock 'n' roll romp based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which hits theaters Friday. "Tom built a bonfire in the weeks prior to shooting 'Rock of Ages' and when they rolled the cameras he lit it. And believe me, it burned white hot," Mr. Baldwin said of the experience.

Unlike the Friars' notoriously raunchy roasts, things remained PG for the most part, with former co-stars including
Philip Seymour Hoffman,
Matt Lauer,
Jonathan Lipnicki
and Laura Bell Bundy, reflecting on Mr. Cruise's talent, professionalism and generosity. (Cuba Gooding Jr.'s speech, which included a joke about him having fathered Mr. Cruise's adopted son, was a notable exception.)

One absence was deeply felt: Jerry Lewis fell ill suddenly and was unable either to receive the club's Applause Award or present Mr. Cruise with his honor, as had been planned. (Mr. Baldwin joked: "He got in the cab and just didn't like the driver," he suggested. "If he's really in the hospital, let's Skype him.")

A video tribute to the comedian featuring
Quentin Tarantino,
Eddie Murphy
and Jerry Seinfeld played and writer
Elie Wiesel
stepped up to accept the award on Mr. Lewis's behalf.

Musical performances including
Sharon Jones
and the
Dap-Kings,
Robin Thicke and
Corinne Bailey Rae
rounded out the night and prompted a bit of shimmying from the guest of honor.

The program closed with a round of Happy Birthday for Mr. Cruise, who will be traveling when he turns 50 in July, and the cutting of a cake made in his likeness. And then it was time to head home, well past Suri's bedtime.